A National Conversation About Young People, Work and Opportunity
A major national conversation is now taking place around the growing number of young people classed as NEET — not in education, employment or training. Former government minister Alan Milburn is currently leading a government review into youth unemployment and economic inactivity across the UK, with almost one million young people now falling into the NEET category.
Part of the discussion focuses on the need for schools and education providers to become more connected to the real world of work. Milburn has highlighted concerns that too many young people leave education without enough practical workplace experience, employability skills or understanding of future opportunities.
At Swan TV, we believe this discussion is important not just for Swansea, but nationally. Young people need more opportunities to experience work environments, practical projects, teamwork and real responsibility before they leave education. Work experience, volunteering, apprenticeships and employer engagement can all play a major role in helping young people build confidence and direction.
However, we also believe the conversation should go further.
Employment is not the only route to success.
For some young people, self-employment, enterprise and creative projects may provide a different pathway into confidence, purpose and financial independence. Today’s economy offers opportunities that simply did not exist for previous generations. Young people can create careers and income through media production, podcasting, photography, online businesses, social media management, digital freelancing, local service businesses and many other low-cost enterprise ideas.
Importantly, success does not belong to one educational route or one type of person.
Some people succeed through university and graduate careers. Others succeed after college courses, apprenticeships or vocational training. Some leave school at 16 and eventually build businesses, creative careers or successful working lives through determination, experience and practical skills.
That is why support for young people must be broader, more flexible and more realistic. We should encourage employment pathways wherever possible, but we should also encourage enterprise, creativity, initiative and practical experience.
Success knows no boundaries.
